The UK construction sector deal: our comment

05 July 2018

Turner & Townsend's Chairman and CEO comments in regards to the UK Government's construction sector deal, which was unveiled today.

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Vincent Clancy said: “The details of the construction sector deal announced today will help unlock the investment we need to create a world-class, high-performance and exportable UK construction industry.

“Highly cyclical development and low margins within construction have held back the investment seen in other industrial sectors in new technologies and methods to improve productivity. Securing £420m through the deal will kick start this process, enabling new digital tools and a manufacturing mentality to become embedded throughout the supply chain.

“At the same time, we need people with the digitally-enabled skills to capitalise on this investment. The commitment to 25,000 construction apprenticeship starts alongside 1,000 T-level placements by 2020 will build the skills base we need. Modernising our industry in this way will in turn help to build a long-term pipeline of talent by showcasing the sector as a dynamic, attractive career choice.

“In the UK, this deal will mean we can build faster and with greater certainty of cost and programme, so that we can deliver much-needed new homes and infrastructure. At the same time, it will also give us a critical platform from which to promote our credentials on a global stage.

“The success of programmes such as Crossrail have already helped prove our ability to deliver world-class projects and at Turner & Townsend we are proud to be working with Crossrail International to bring that experience to bear on the expansion of Sydney’s metro system. The sector deal outlined today will enable us to industrialise the way in which we export our expertise – ensuring that UK construction is recognised as a global leader in innovation and high performance.”